Hartford Public Schools, CT

BoE Regular Meeting

The board will consider a $114,720 contract with The Hill for Literacy for coaching at 10 schools, and adult education grant approvals. Reports from the Teaching & Learning and Policy committees will be presented, including a proposed Food Services No Charging Policy and a by-law change. A new board member, Madison Csejka, will take the oath of office.

• Oath of office for new board member Madison Csejka
• Contract with The Hill for Literacy for $114,720 to provide coaching and professional development at 10 schools
• Adult education grant approvals for GED, ESL, and citizenship programs
• Second reading of Food Services No Charging Policy
• Proposed by-law change to allow moving consent agenda items for discussion

Finance & Audit Committee

The Finance & Audit Committee of Hartford Public Schools will consider a contract approval for 'Timely' (item 1.01). They will also receive updates on monthly financials through October 31, 2025, and discuss budget development for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The meeting is virtual at 5:00 p.m. on December 8, 2025.

• Contract approval for Timely (item 1.01)
• Monthly financial report through October 31, 2025 (FY26 Period 4)
• Budget development for FY 2026-27 (informational and discussion)

The committee reviewed a potential contract for Timely, a high school scheduling optimization tool. Members also discussed enrollment declines, special education staffing costs, and a city-funded feasibility study regarding service consolidation.

• Discussed potential contract with Timely scheduling tool
• Reviewed fiscal year spending trends and enrollment decline of 1,400 students
• Noted $3 million in city support for dental clinics and community partnerships

Legislative & Advocacy Task Force

The Legislative & Advocacy Task Force of Hartford Public Schools will meet virtually to discuss updates, review proposed goals, and outline next steps. The agenda consists entirely of discussion and information items with no scheduled votes or public hearings.

• Update and level set on current legislative issues
• Review of proposed advocacy goals for Hartford schools
• Planning next steps for the task force

Family & Community Engagement Committee

The Family & Community Engagement Committee of Hartford Public Schools meets virtually to receive updates and informational reports. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists entirely of staff presentations on enrollment, Title I programs, partnerships, the Welcome Center, and School Governance Council membership.

• Update from Office of Enrollment & School Choice
• Title I report and FCSSP School Spotlight presentation
• Partnerships & Community Schools update
• Welcome Center report with intake comparison data
• School Governance Council membership report

The committee reviewed district initiatives including holiday engagement programs, school choice application windows, and marketing strategies. Discussions included updates on Title I budget revisions, School Governance Council membership increases, and Welcome Center intake data regarding student homelessness.

• Reviewed Title I budget revision of $286,076 to $118,936.48
• Noted Magnet Choice application period runs December 3 through February 6
• Noted School Choice application period opens January 9 and closes April 10
• Reported increase in community-based organizations to 32 total

Workshop Meeting

This is a workshop meeting of the Hartford Board of Education. Members will receive updates on the district's strategic plan and on CSDE inquiries and accountability. No votes are scheduled beyond adjournment.

• Strategic Plan Update (discussion)
• CSDE Inquiries Support & Accountability Update (discussion)

The board reviewed the district's strategic plan and its alignment with budget priorities. Members discussed the status of three Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) inquiries regarding public works, special education, and magnet schools. No formal votes were recorded; the meeting focused on progress updates and next steps for reporting.

• Reviewed 'All Voices, Our Future' strategic plan priorities
• Discussed implementation of 44 public works inquiry recommendations
• Reviewed initial recommendations for special education inquiry
• Discussed pending recommendations for magnet school inquiry

Policy Committee

The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will consider a second reading of a no-charging policy for food services, which is an action item for the regular board meeting. The committee will also discuss a bylaw change to move consent agenda items and review a batch of policies with no recommended changes. Additionally, first readings will be held on employment reference checks and increasing educator diversity.

• Second reading of Food Services No-Charging Policy (action item)
• Second reading of Bylaw 9321.2 to move consent agenda (discussion)
• Batch of 20 policies reviewed with no changes, including community involvement, firearms on school property, and property sale/rental
• First reading of policy 4112.51 on employment reference checks
• First reading of policy 4111.3 on increasing educator diversity

The committee reviewed a policy stating students will not be charged for lunch or food. Members also discussed proposed changes to By-law 93.21.2 regarding consent agenda items and several policies related to staff communication. Two specific policies were removed from the current batch for separate review at the next meeting.

• Moved forward with Food Services No Charging Policy second reading
• Agreed to vote on By-law 93.21.2 change at the next board meeting
• Removed 'relationship between the board and superintendent' policy for separate review
• Removed Policy 2220 for separate review at the next meeting
• Requested link to educator diversity plan be provided before next second reading

Teaching & Learning Committee

The Teaching & Learning Committee will discuss accepting Adult Education grant funds for Board approval at the December 16 meeting, as required by state statute. They will also receive an informational update on the Elementary Teaching & Learning department and a presentation on the HILL for Literacy contract. No votes are taken at this committee meeting; items are discussion and informational only.

• Adult Education Grants – discussion and request for Board of Education approval at the December 16 meeting; funding flows through Hartford Public Schools to Cooperating Eligible Entities under CT General Statutes §10-69.
• HILL for Literacy Contract – informational discussion on a literacy program contract for the 2025-26 school year.
• Department of Elementary Teaching & Learning Presentation – update and discussion on elementary instruction.

The committee reviewed adult education programs and strategic directions for elementary teaching. A proposal was presented for a $114,720 literacy support contract with The Hill for Literacy to be reviewed at the December 16th Board of Education meeting.

• Adult education grant funds requested for approval at December 16th Board of Education meeting
• Proposed $114,720 contract for literacy support services from The Hill for Literacy discussed

BoE Regular Meeting

The Board of Education will hear reports from its Teaching & Learning, Policy, and Family & Community Engagement committees. Key discussions include a proposed policy to restrict immigration enforcement agents' access to school buildings, approval of gym floor renovation contracts at SMSA and University High schools, and a $98,000 NEAG Foundation grant renewal for after-school enrichment. No final votes are scheduled; items are presented for information and further board discussion.

• Policy committee recommends language limiting ICE access to school grounds, requiring judicial warrants verified by counsel or superintendent designee
• Gym floor renovation projects at SMSA and University High schools, funded by grants secured by Athletic Director Heidi Schmidt
• NEAG Foundation grant renewal for $98,000 to support after-school and Saturday enrichment programs at Kennelly School
• Update on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education placements, including data on chronic absenteeism and out-of-district costs
• Review of 2-4-1 Sports program impact on reducing chronic absenteeism from 29% to 12% at one participating school

Finance & Audit Committee

The Finance & Audit Committee will consider approving a contract with law firm Pullman & Comley. The committee will also receive a monthly update on FY 2025-26 finances and discuss budget development for FY 2026-27. The contract approval is a decision item; the updates are informational and for discussion.

• Contract approval for Pullman & Comley (law firm)
• Monthly update on FY 2025-26 finances
• Discussion of FY 2026-27 budget development
• Meeting held virtually at 5:00 p.m.

The committee reviewed a significant decline in student enrollment and discussed a $35 million structural deficit facing the district. Members discussed potential school closures to save approximately $1 million per building and reviewed legal service contract requests. The committee also addressed legislative advocacy needs to address funding challenges.

• Discussed Pullman and Conley contract request for legal and labor services
• Reviewed enrollment trends showing 15,200 current students
• Evaluated school closure as a method to save approximately $1 million per school
• Planned for the reconvening of the Legislative Advocacy Committee

Family & Community Engagement Committee

The committee will receive informational updates on Title I parent activities and a school spotlight, hear the Welcome Center report including intake comparisons, and review the School Governance Council membership report. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists entirely of reports and updates.

• Title I Report and FCSSP School Spotlight (informational)
• Welcome Center Report with intakes comparison from September 2025
• School Governance Council Membership report for 2025-2026
• General updates/events slide deck

The committee reviewed updates on School Governance Council (SGC) membership growth and the Welcome Center's September intake report. Discussions included Title I budget encumbrance status and enhancements to the volunteering process.

• Noted 21% of $130,286.70 Title I budget was encumbered as of October 31st
• Reported increase in schools with full SGC membership from 9 to 21
• Recorded 879 Welcome Center intakes for September compared to 638 last year
• Identified 269 students currently flagged as McKinney-Vento participants

Workshop Meeting

The Hartford Board of Education holds a workshop meeting to discuss the 2024-25 Next Generation Accountability Results. No votes are scheduled; the session is for information and discussion only.

• Presentation and discussion of 2024-25 Next Generation Accountability Results Overview

The Hartford Board of Education held a workshop to review the 2024-25 Next Generation Accountability Reports. The discussion focused on academic indicators, mathematics growth, and strategies for improving student proficiency and resource allocation.

• Tasked staff to investigate disaggregated data for Hartford resident students
• Requested detailed information on intervention and support mechanisms for students with D averages
• Scheduled presentation of strategic plan priorities for the December board meeting

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will meet to vote on the adoption of a policy regarding the protection of undocumented students. The body will also conduct a first reading of a food services no-charging policy and review a batch of policies with no changes. Additionally, the committee will discuss changes to bylaws regarding consent agendas and advisory committees.

• Second reading and adoption: Protection of Undocumented Students
• First reading: Food Services - No Charging Policy
• Review of 21 policies with no changes, including firearms on school property and board-superintendent relationship
• Discussion of Bylaw 9321.2 regarding the move of the consent agenda
• Discussion of proposed change to Bylaw 9321 regarding Advisory Committees

The Policy Committee reviewed student immigration protections, smoking policies, and meal procedures. Members decided to maintain the current meal charging policy for CEP districts and postponed a proposal regarding advisory committees due to lack of consensus. The committee also approved a bylaw change regarding the consent agenda.

• Maintained existing meal charging policy
• Postponed advisory committee proposal
• Approved smoking policy update to include vaping and e-cigarettes
• Approved bylaw change to allow leadership to move the consent agenda first

Teaching & Learning Committee

The Teaching & Learning Committee will consider three action items: a contract with 241 Sports, acceptance of a NEAG grant for Kennelly School, and a contract with Dalene Flooring for gym floor work at SMSA/UHSSE. The committee will also receive an update on Special Education and MTSS.

• Contract approval for 241 Sports (athletic services)
• Acceptance of NEAG grant funds for Kennelly School
• Contract approval for Dalene Flooring to refinish gym floors at SMSA and UHSSE
• Update on Special Education and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

The committee reviewed updates on the 2-4-1 Sports program, the NEAG Foundation grant renewal, and special education services. The board approved contracts for gym floor renovation projects at SMSA and University High schools.

• Approved gym floor renovation contracts for SMSA and University High schools

BoE Regular Meeting

The Board of Education will hear reports from the Teaching & Learning and Policy committees. The Policy Committee recommends adopting a school volunteers policy and introduced a first reading of a policy to protect undocumented students, including protocols for ICE access. The Teaching & Learning Committee presented updates on literacy and math initiatives, multilingual programs, and new grading practices.

• First reading of policy to protect undocumented students, requiring judicial warrant for ICE entry
• Second reading and recommendation to adopt a school volunteers policy (currently no policy exists)
• Teaching & Learning report on STARI reading intervention and TTA algebra course
• Discussion of dual language program parent engagement and home-school connections
• Plans for Weaver High School radio station pathway and media program development

Finance & Audit Committee

The Finance & Audit Committee of Hartford Public Schools meets virtually to review the Year End Report for FY 2024-25 and the Quarterly Update for FY 2025-26. They also discuss the development of the FY 2026-27 budget. All items are informational or discussion items; no votes are scheduled.

• Year End Report FY 2024-25: Informational, report, and discussion.
• Quarterly Update FY 2025-26: Informational only.
• Budget Development FY 2026-27: Informational and discussion.

The committee reviewed a $10 million deficit to be covered by the city's fund balance surplus and an enrollment decline of approximately 1,400 students. Discussions included the financial impact of lower enrollment on revenue, special education funding gaps, and potential school consolidation. The district is also planning a comprehensive study of the Hartford education system.

• Reviewed $10 million deficit to be covered by city fund balance surplus
• Noted enrollment decline of approximately 1,400 students
• Identified $4.7 million revenue gap due to declining enrollment
• Announced plans for an RFP to study school consolidation
• Reviewed $120,000 budget software implementation

Family & Community Engagement Committee

The Family & Community Engagement Committee will discuss updates, including a Title I report, and consider approving a contract with the Urban League for Weaver community schools. Reports from the Welcome Center and School Governance Council are also on the agenda.

• Acceptance of Funds/Contract Approval: Urban League (Weaver CBO)
• Title I Report (informational)
• Welcome Center Report with intake comparison data
• School Governance Council Report

The committee reviewed a proposed contract for the Urban League of Greater Hartford to provide wraparound services at Weaver High School. The proposal includes support for 100 students during the 2025-2026 school year using North Hartford Ascent Pipeline and Nellie Mae Educational Foundation funds. Discussions also covered Title I funding allocations and updates to the School Governance Council process.

• Proposed $277,840 contract for Weaver High School community schools programming discussed

Workshop Meeting

The Hartford Public Schools board holds a workshop meeting to receive and discuss a presentation on the state of talent management. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting includes only opening, the workshop presentation, and adjournment.

• Presentation and discussion of the State of Talent Management, with a 4,076 KB slide deck attached

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will hold a first reading of a policy on protection of undocumented students. They will also conduct second readings and vote on policies for school volunteers, student sports concussions, and sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, the committee will discuss the automatic policy review process.

• Second reading and adoption of Policy 1212 - School Volunteers
• First reading of Policy 5111.3 - Protection of Undocumented Students
• Second reading and adoption of Policy 5141.7 - Student Sports - Concussion
• Second reading and adoption of Policy 5141.28 - Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Discussion of Automatic Policy Review Process

The committee decided to proceed with voting on the school volunteers policy at the next board meeting and reviewed undocumented student and school security policies. The board also approved policies on student sports concussion and sudden cardiac arrest.

• Proceed with voting on school volunteers policy at next board meeting
• Reviewed undocumented student protection policy
• Agreed to review all policies related to law enforcement interactions in schools
• Approved student sports concussion policy
• Approved sudden cardiac arrest policy
• Discussed updating policy review process

Teaching & Learning Committee

The committee will receive and discuss an informational update from the Division of Academics, presented via slide deck. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to discussion of this single item.

• Informational update and discussion on Division of Academics (slides attached)

The committee received departmental updates on literacy, math, and multilingual programs across all grade levels. No formal votes were recorded; the meeting focused on curriculum implementation and strategies for equitable grading.

• Proposed radio station pathway at Weaver High School to be developed by Ms. Avicolli and Secondary Teaching team
• Multilingual curriculum presentations to be included in school open houses and parent activities
• Teaching and Learning Department to provide teachers time to adjust gradebooks for new grading practices after first quarter
• District leadership to align future presentations with the Strategic Operating Plan

BoE Regular Meeting

The Hartford Board of Education will hear reports from two Committee of the Whole meetings. Discussions include contract renewals for Hartford Performs ($358,710) and Opportunity Academy ($660,000), a Ricoh lease renewal ($650,000/year), and a Renzulli Academy grant. The board will also review summer program outcomes and a state report on funding disparities between magnet and neighborhood schools.

• Renewal of Hartford Performs arts contract for $358,710
• Opportunity Academy alternative education contract for $660,000
• Five-year Ricoh lease for 150 multifunction devices at $650,000/year
• Renzulli Academy grant of $70,000 for enrichment consultant
• Review of state report on magnet vs neighborhood school funding disparities

The Board of Education held a regular meeting where Shonta Browdy was elected to fill the remaining vacancy for Board Chairperson. The session included extensive public comment regarding school consolidation, volunteer policies, and staff parking issues.

• Elected Shonta Browdy as Board Chairperson
• Appointed Kory Mills to the CREC Council

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will discuss and vote on a 5-year Ricoh master lease worth $650,000 annually, acceptance of $556,815 from the state for Family Resource Centers, and renewal of Raptor visitor management software. Also on the agenda are second- and first-readings of policies on opioid overdose prevention, student health, school volunteers, and concussion/sudden cardiac arrest protocols.

• Ricoh Master Lease Agreement continuation: $650,000/year for 5 years (July 2025-June 2030)
• Acceptance of $556,815 from CT State Dept. of Education for Family Resource Centers, with contracts for Hispanic Health Council and The Village for Families & Children
• Raptor Technologies Visitor and Volunteer Management software renewal: $63,675 for September 2025-June 2026
• Second reading of policies on opioid overdose prevention, student health services, and health assessments
• First readings of policies on school volunteers, student sports concussion, and sudden cardiac arrest

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Committee of the Whole will review and recommend action on several contract continuations and a lease agreement for the regular meeting. Items include a $358,710 renewal for Hartford Performs arts education, a $660,000 contract for OPPortunity Academy alternative programming, a $650,000/year Ricoh copier lease, and a $70,000 NEAG grant for consulting. Updates on summer school credit recovery and a magnet grant inquiry will also be discussed.

• Contract continuation for Hartford Performs arts education: $358,710
• Contract continuation for OPPortunity Academy (alternative high school): $660,000
• Ricoh lease agreement for copiers: $650,000/year for 5 years
• Acceptance of NEAG grant funds for LaParre Consulting: $70,000
• Updates on Summer School/Credit Recovery and Magnet Grant Inquiry

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused on reviewing program contracts, alternative education options, and a state report on school funding formulas. No formal votes or binding decisions were recorded; the board directed staff to monitor assessment scores, track enrollment, and draft responses to recent media coverage. The discussions affect how district funds are allocated between magnet and neighborhood schools, and whether outside enrichment programs supplement in-house arts instruction.

• Reviewed $358,710 Hartford Performs contract renewal; board requested follow-up on teacher implementation and engagement examples
• Discussed $660,000 OPP alternative education contract and $275,000 state-funded redesign proposal; no vote recorded in minutes
• Acknowledged $70,000 Renzulli Academy grant award; board suggested revisiting enrollment caps for suburban students
• Reviewed summer program outcomes (2,375 students registered); discussed staffing and community partnerships
• Analyzed state report on magnet vs. neighborhood school funding disparities; agreed to prepare response to state and media

Board Retreat

The Hartford Public Schools Board of Education held a retreat to discuss school governance, board/superintendent collaboration, and decision-making protocols. The board also voted to enter executive session for a personnel matter involving Dr. Townsel and later adjourned.

• Discussion on School Governance & Effective Board/Superintendent Collaboration
• Discussion on Decision Making & Engagement Protocols
• Discussion on Shared Understanding: Communication, Commitments, Next Steps
• Motion to enter executive session for personnel matter (Dr. Townsel) passed with 9 ayes
• Motion to adjourn the retreat

The Board of Education held a retreat focused on school governance and decision-making protocols. The Board entered an executive session regarding a personnel matter involving Dr. Townsel before adjourning.

• Entered executive session for personnel matter (9-0)
• Exited executive session

BoE Regular Meeting

The Hartford Board of Education holds a regular meeting with public comment and reports from the Chair, Superintendent, and committees. The Committee of the Whole report covers contract renewals for Language Line translation services, a $121,000 Powerschool Allovue budgeting tool amendment, and a Weaver High School community partner selection. The Policy Committee report discusses renaming Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School and new opioid overdose prevention policies.

• Committee of the Whole report on contract renewals including Language Line and $121,000 Powerschool Allovue amendment
• Policy Committee report on proposed renaming of Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School
• Update on Weaver High School community school partner selection with 8 proposals received
• Policy Committee discussion of new opioid overdose prevention policy formalizing Narcan protocols
• Public comment period open for residents

The Board of Education appointed Matthey Gaffney and Corinne Barney as principals for two academies. The Board also approved contracts for Ready CT and CT RISE for terms ending June 30, 2026.

• Approved Matthey Gaffney as Principal of Sport & Medical Sciences Academy (9-0)
• Approved Corinne Barney as Principal of Dwight Bellizzi Dual Language Academy (9-0)
• Approved Ready CT contract not to exceed $494,800 (7-1-1)
• Approved CT RISE contract not to exceed $190,000 (8-1-0)

Policy Committee

The Hartford Public Schools Policy Committee will discuss an application to rename the Classical Magnet School and review a contract amendment for ABA services for students with autism spectrum disorder. The committee will also conduct first readings on three student health policies covering general services, health assessments, and opioid overdose prevention.

• Contract Amendment: A Brand New Day (SPED) - $10,000 increase bringing total to $177,999 for ABA services for students with autism spectrum disorder.
• Renaming Classical Magnet School Application - Review of the school renaming committee report.
• Policy 5141 - Student Health Services - First reading of updated health services policy.
• Policy 5141.3 - Health Assessments - First reading of updated health assessment procedures.
• Policy 5141.213 - Opioid Overdose Prevention - First reading of new opioid prevention policy.

The committee discussed renaming Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School and reviewed updates to student health and opioid overdose policies. Members also addressed contract oversight following a $35,959.70 increase to a contract with A Brand New Day.

• Proposed renaming of Classical Magnet School to Hernan Lafontaine Classical Magnet School discussed
• Proposed amendment to A Brand New Day contract to increase total to $201,958.70 discussed
• First reading of Policy 5141 on student health services presented
• Updates to Policy 5141.3 health assessment regulations presented
• New opioid overdose prevention policy presented to formalize Narcan protocols